Anchoring devices



Sept. 22, 1970 WJTIRASPQLSKY ET AL 3,529,919

ANCHORING DEVICES Filed Sept. 27, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 22, 1970ANGHORING DEVICES Filed Sept. 27, 196$ 2 Shets-Sheei 2 W-TIRASPOLSKY ETAL 3,5293% -United States Patent 3,529,919 ANCHORING DEVICES WlatlimirTiraspolsky, 69 Avenue Victor Cresson, Issy-les- Moulineaux,Hauts-de-Seine, France, and Roger Rouviere, Foutfigiere 13,Aix-en-Provence, France Filed Sept. 27, 1968, Ser. No. 763,168 Claimspriority, application France, Oct. 13, 1967,

4,322 Int. Cl. B63b 21/26 U.S. Cl. 114-206 17 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE An anchoring apparatus for producing a releasable anchoringto a horizontal or vertical surface, in either a submarine or airenvironment utilizing a frame upon which a plurality of suction devicesare mounted, and the suction devices are related to a cover memberdisposed over the attachment surface. The cover member includes sealingmeans, and upon the creation of a vacuum or underpressure in the suctiondevices by means of vacuum or underpressure supply means, a firmconnection to the anchoring surface is achieved. Clamping means arerelated to the cover member and the frame supporting the suction deviceswhereby pressure is exposed on the cover member periphery in thedirection toward the supporting surface responsive to the force exertedby the suction devices and their supporting members.

At the present time, no positive and reliable means are available forensuring a removable or temporary and yet non-destructive anchorage on asolid surface or wall having any shape and configuration.

Numerous devices have been proposed for such purposes and are generallytermed suckers or suction anchors for removably adhering to a solid wallunder the action of a local decrease in pressure with respect to theambient fluid such as air or water. However their use is strictlylimited to perfectly smooth and fluid-tight surfaces. Actually suchdevices lose all their efficiency if the supporting surface has acertain degree of roughness or becomes permeable even to a slightextent.

An object of the invention is to remedy this disadvantage by providing anew or improved anchoring device permitting an anchorage to be achievedeither to a smooth surface or to a rugged or irregular surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide an anchoring devicepermitting a fastening action to be obtained by adhesion even against anirregular surface.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for temporaryor permanent anchorage to the surface of any industrial equipment eitherunder the water or in the free air.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, there isprovided a new or improved anchoring device comprising at least onesuction device, a source of vacuum or decrease in pressure with respectto the ambient pressure towhich this device is connected during theoperation, an impervious cover member associated with said suctiondevice and defining an area of application upon the anchoring surfacesurrounding the device, a frame to which said device is connected byelastic suspension members having a constant tension, and fluid-tightclamping means asranged between said frame and cover member so astightly to apply said means against the periphery of the cover memberresponsive to the traction exerted between the suction device and theelastic suspension members having a constant tension.

3,529,919 Patented Sept. 22, 1970 ICC FURTHER DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGESOF THE INVENTION In ane apparently advantageous aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes several suction devices shrouded by thecover member and connected to the frame by elastic suspension membershaving an independent constant tension.

According to an advantageous feature, the apparatus is supplemented by aframework which is stationary with respect to the anchoring surface andto which the frame is advantageously connected through the medium ofelastic suspension members also of the constant tension type.

Owing to the combination of the suction devices with the cover memberand to the exertion of a pressure on the periphery of said cover memberso as to achieve fluid-tight conditions by a clamping action against theanchoring surface there is obtained an assembly capable of tightlyadhering to any surface even if it is uneven, the connection providedbetween the suction devices and the frame by the constant tensionelastic suspension members imparting to said frame with respect to thedevices an ability to move producing a compensating effect upon thedifference of adhesion power of the devices. Moreover, the method ofinterconnecting the frame and the framework permits the latter to beheld in a stationary position with respect to the anchoring surface insuch a manner as to enable it to withstand sufliciently large extractingand shearing stresses as to face most industrial uses.

The apparatus this constituted can be used in any ambient mediumpossessing a given absolute pressure whether in the air or in a mass ofwater or any other fluid. However its use is the easier and the moreefficient as the fluid is viscous and dense. The preferred field yieldof application is the hydrosphere and more particularly submarinegrounds situated at a great depth i.e. where no reliable anchoring meansare available and the configuration of the bottom of the sea or ocean isoften constituted by rocky and bare surfaces, slopes or cliffs.

One particularly advantageous use of this improved device is theprovision of a stationary anchoring point. Thus it may be used forbehaving as a mooring anchor for ships or other nautical vessels uponrocky sea bottoms irrespective of their slope not only for surfacenavigation but also and more particularly in connection with subaqueouscrafts. The apparatus can also be used for aerial ships or machines suchas helicopters or those having a density lower than that of the air soas to permit them to be anchored to a steep cliff, for instance, andpermits anchoring points to be obtained for all work conducted onsloping or uneven grounds such as public Work sites, quarries and thelike. The use of the apparatus is also recommendable in the buildingindustry and for all subaqueous categories of work or handlingoperations, for instance, by means of boats such as garges or tenders.The apparatus furthermore permits such Work to be achieved as willcreate a reactive stress having a component directed off the surfacebeing worked up, for instance for drilling, grouting or samplingoperations regardless of the resistance or outline of said surface. Themeans to be used may be easily chosen by technicians skilled in the artand form as such no part of the invention.

According to a feature of the invention, each suction deviceadvantageously comprises a rigid central chamber connected by a conduitor line to the source of vacuum or underpressure and a suflicientlyflexible peripheral lip to be able to adapt itself to a more or lessirregular surface. The adhesion surface of each device is preferablyprovided with rugged elements checking any skidding action against thesurface with which it is in contact, and

it advantageously possesses a sufiicient porosity to hold back a viscousliquid that wets the two contacting surfaces preferably to the ambientfluid.

According to another feature of the invention, each suction device ispreferably hinged to the frame so as to permit an easier adaptation tothe anchoring surface. An elastic or resilient member arranged betweenthe device and the frame normally urges the device away from the frameto a position of maximum protrusion.

In an advantageous aspect of the invention, the elastic suspensionmembers, having a constant tension, that are provided between eachsuction device and the frame are constituted by balancing pistonsmovable through cylinders, one face of each piston advantageouslycommunicating with the ambient pressure while its other facecommunicates with a source of vacuum or underpressure with respect tothe ambient pressure. Thus a constant tension is transmitted between thesuction device and frame while allowing a relative displacement of thisframe with respect to each sucker that adheres to the anchoring surfaceso as to provide a compensating effect.

In another aspect of the invention, the cover member whose outer wall isimpervious is advantageously provided on its surface directed toward theanchoring surface with a network of channels or cells permitting anunderpressure or an over-pressure to be created therein through themedium of one or several suitable ducts.

In still another aspect of the invention, the clamping means that ensurefluid tightness of the cover member edge preferably include a peripheralelastic or yielding and fluid tight bead possessing sufficient pliancyfor adapting itself to the rugged outline of the anchoring surface. Sucha bead is connected to the frame in a preferably elastic fashion so asto achieve the above-stated fluid tightness. Preferably the arrangementis such as to provide an outwardly direct side component capable oftensioning the cover member against the anchoring surface. A portion ofthe constant tractional stress to which the frame is subjected due tothe action of the suction devices is actually transmitted owing to areactive stress to the aforesaid bead.

The stationary frame advantageously rests upon the anchoring surface bystanchions which may extend either vertically or at an angle to thetractional component transmitted by the frame to the framework andhaving anti-skidding points, prongs or dogs, the application beingensured owing to the traction transmitted from the frame.

Such a framework thus constitutes a skeleton which is held against theanchoring surface and can be fitted with 'any suitable equipment.Alternatively, the frame may be combined with a propelling device suchas a track laying tractor, thereby permitting anchorage thereof at theselected position and then its self-propelled movement to anotherstationary position.

The source of vacuum or underpressure permitting the service fluidcontained in the suction devices to be drained away may be selectivelycombined with a source of over pressure, thereby permitting release ofthe devices when this is deemed desirable. When dealing with highambient pressures, the vacuum or underpressure can be generated by usingthe arrangement described in French Pat. No. 1,450,584.

In an advantageous arrangement, the desired pressures are supplied tothe constant tension members, for example, to pistons, by a closedcircuit filled with an operating fluid capable of providing differentialpressures.

Still according to a further feature of the invention, an automaticinverting system is provided for performing proper tensioning of thosesuction devices which have already adhered and the resumption to theirinitial position of those devices whose adhesion has been deteriorated.Such a system is advantageously supplemented by a declutching andstalling mechanism if devices repeatedly fail to operate properly.

A connecting system with the exterior space is advantageously providedfor transmitting information or orders either directly when a mechanicalconnection subsists with the control station or via remote transmissionmeans for autonomous devices.

If desired, there may be provided a direct guiding system, eitherremotely controlled or automatic, for imparting proper orientation tothe apparatus and including launchable or non-launchable positive ornegative ballast weights, also adjusting means for performing properpositioning and recovery of the apparatus. A suitable source of energyis also associated with the apparatus.

According to another advantageous feature, members associated with thesuction devices and/or with the cover member permit a fluid to be pouredinto the contacting gap with the supporting surface, or outside saidgap, having such a viscosity or wetting capacity as to improve adhesionand to increase fluid tightness. Alternatively substances such asadhesives or cements producing a final adhesion, the erection ofbarriers or fences or the creation of grouted joints may be poured intosaid gap.

A fluid tight sheath or film may be provided for protecting the contactsurfaces of the apparatus according to the invention duringtransportation or approaching operations, said sheath or film beingremovable when positioning is accomplished.

One or several mechanisms may be provided for liberating a portion ofthe apparatus such as the framework and frame while leaving the adhesionmembers in position.

If desired, several adhering units each one of which comprises one orseveral suction devices, may be housed in one and the same framework,and means may be provided for performing a selective or alternateddisplacement of some of said units so as to permit the assembly to besuitably advanced without impairing the adhesion. In such a case, theframework itself may have the shape of a carriage such as a track layingvehicle.

In order to facilitate the understanding of the invention and itscarrying into practice, it will now be more completely described by wayof a non-limitative embodiment with reference to the accompanyingdrawing exemplifying the same and forming a part of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS IN THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is asemi-elevational sectional view taken along an axial plane of ananchoring device operating by adhesion and limited by a circularperipheral bead.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are showings of two ways of clustering elementary suctiondevices on a framework.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the showing of FIG. 1 are illustrated insectional view the essential elements of the anchoring apparatusaccording to the invention, which apparatus comprises a stationaryframework 1 intended to be anchored against a surface and which carriesin the present case, an attachment ring 2, a floating or compensatingframe 3 provided with a peripheral bead 4, a set of suction devices 5connected by a system or linkage 6 having a constant tension but avarying position to the movable or compensating frame 3, a sealing covermember 7 shrouding the entire area situated inside the peripheral bead4, a set of tensioning elements 8 having a constant tension whichinterconnects the movable frame 3 and the stationary cover 7, anenclosure 9 in which a differential pressure prevails, said enclosurebeing connected to the sealing zone and maintaining therein anunder-pressure or an over-pressure, a closed capacity containing anoperating liquid and including a differential pressure chamber 10'11, anambient pressure chamber 12-13, a regulating system made up in thepresent case of spool valve 14 adapted to adjust and distribute thetensions between the radiation devices, the frame and the framework interms of the devices adherence.

The framework 1 is constituted by a skeleton adapted to provide adequatereception of the equipment as used and rests upon the anchoring surfaceas shown at S by means of feet terminating in shoes 16 and sodistributed as to provide a stable position, for example, at thesecontacting points which may be chosen at random. These shoesadvantageously have a sharp or cutting outline and may be fitted with aremotely controlled or automatic mechanism of the revolvable typeoperating by percussion or by any other method for ensuring a certainamount of penetration into the anchoring surface S so as to lessenskidding risks, particularly where the device according to the inventionbehaves as an anchoring point and is subjected to random tractionalstresses both in direction and in intensity.

The essential function of the framework 3 is to behave as a relaybetween the adhering members constituted by the suction devices 5 andtheir cover member so they possess the required flexibility and mobilityto enable them to adapt themselves to the configuration of the groundwhile limiting and stabilising those tractional stresses which must beborne by each of the adhering members. The function of the framework isfurthermore to act as a relay between the sealing peripheral bead 4 towhich the frame transmits a fraction of the axial traction taken fromthe sucker devices for applying said bead against the edge of the cover7 to which it imparts peripheral fluid tightness and the framework 1 towhich said frame 3 transfers the non-used tractional stress for applyingsaid head while maintaining the immovable position of said frameworkwith respect to the anchoring surface owing to the tensioning systemshaving a constant or substantially constant force as shown at 6 and 8.Such systems which are hereafter described more in detail interconnectthe sucker devices, the sealing bead and the stationary framework withthe movable frame and they are constituted in the present case bybalancing pistons also to be described in detail hereafter.

In the constructional embodiment of the invention now being described,the adhering device is constituted by sucker devices 5 having a centralarmature and a flexible lip 17 which surrounds a fluid circulationcavity or channel 18, its adhering surface being advantageously providedwith a laminar, cellular or other profile permitting the same to betteradapt itself to the micro-outline of the anchoring surface, also withcavities, pins or prongs for increasing the coeflicient of frictionbetween the contacting surfaces. Said devices 5 are advantageouslymounted upon a ball hinge designated by 19 which permits some adjustmentof their angular position.

The entire operative area of the devices 5 is shrouded by the fluidtight cover member 7 of which applies itself tightly against the devicesbody as shows at 20 and is fast with the peripheral bead 4 as shown at21, said cover advantageously having an outward extension or lip 22which is applied owing to its elastic resistance against the surface Sbeyond the zone of compression as exerted upon the bead. In itsperipheral zone the cover member is preferably provided with anirrigation system represented here by channels 23 to which a liquid isfed by conduits 24, said liquid being adapted to create a betteradhesion and a better fluid tightness between the contact surfaces whilebeing fluid enough to stave off any risk of clogging the circulationchannels. This liquid is extruded into the interstitial gap providedunder the cover member by the pressure exerted upon the latter by theperipheral bead 4. In the zones situated between the devices 5, thecover member 7 is constituted on its lower face by a pliable materialwhich adapts itself to the micro-outline and/or has a network ofchannels centered around circulation ducts such as the conduit 25adapted to create and maintain a vacuum or underpressure or causing atransitory overpressure under the cover member 7.

The peripheral sealing bead 4 is constituted by an elastie and pliablematerial preferably reinforced axially by a supple armature such as thecord 26 and supported at suitable intervals by rigid unions 27elastically connected, for example via springs 28 to the movable frame3. The bead 4 is applied to the periphery of the cover member 7 andexerts a total pushing stress which is equal to the difference betweenthe traction undergone from the devices 5 by the frame 3 and the onewhich it transmits to the stationary framework 1, said pushing stressbeing automatically distributed over the length of the bead dependingupon the requirements of the up and down surface so as to ensure acontinuous contact between said base bead and the fulcrum area of thecover member. As clearly visible in FIG. 1, there is provided on thelower surface of the cover member in the region corresponding to thebead 4 a lining 29 made of an easily distortable elastic material whichis relatively thick so as to provide the required sealing effect.

Each sucker device 5 is connected with the differential pressure chamber9 through a duct 31, 32 via a relay 33 which controls thetension-regulating distributors. Each duct 31 is advantageously providedwith a filter or purifier as represented by the strainer 34.

A source of differential pressure, not shown, which may be constitutedby a pump or, in the case of deep subaqueous work, by a vacuum orunderpressure accumulator which may operate either directly or throughthe medium of a pressure reducer or a pressure booster or alternativelyby any other suitable device maintains inside the chamber or chambers 9the necessary vacuum or underpressure for performing adhesion of thesuckers along the surface S or the overpressure adapted to sweep thearea of application before positioning of the devices 5 or alternativelyto release the apparatus at the end of the operation. The same source ofdifferential pressure vmay be used for creating by a jet effect one orseveral reaction forces for ensuring or facilitating the orientation,the positioning or the disengagement of the apparatus according to theinvention.

The fluid conduits 25 connected with the cover members 7 communicatedirectly with the chamber 9. Consequently they also propagate atransient underpressure or an overpressure to the cover 7.

Each sucker is connected with the movable frame 3 by an elasticsuspension system having a constant tension which, in the present case,comprises a piston 35 axially movable between a pair of chambers 36 and37 of a cylinder. This piston is connected by its rod with the hinge 19that is associated with the sucker 5. The chamber 37 is held at theambient pressure while the other chamber 36 may, according torequirements, undergo the effect of the ambient pressure oralternatively an underpressure or an overpressure. A spring 38 arrangedbetween the hinge 19 and the frame 3 urges the device 5 away from theframe.

Control of the pistons is advantageously performed by means of anauxiliary fluid such as a transmitting oil Which fills the tightenclosure comprising the ambient pressure chamber 12 which is balancedowing to its combination with the flexible reservoir 13 and thedifferential pressure chamber 10 which is fed by the flexible container11 that is immersed in the differential pressure chamber 9. Regulationis controlled by the pressure prevailing in the device 5 and acting viathe relay 33 by means of the spool valves 14 so as to provide analternative communication between the chamber 36 and the chamber 10 or12 through the ducts 39 and 40. As long as the pressure prevailing inthe relay 33 connected with the valve 14 through the conduit 41 does notsubstantially deviate from the ambient pressure, the spool valve 42 isheld in its end of stroke position by a spring 43 so as to provide acommunication between the chambers 36 and 12. When the vacuum orunderpressure prevailing in the relay 33 reaches a pre-set level,pressure in the chamber 12 pushes back the spool valve 42 for closingthe circuit between the chambers 36 and 12 and opening the circuitbetween the chambers 36 and 10.

Due to the vacuum or underpressure prevailing in the chamber 10, thepiston then moves towards the frame 3 and exerts upon the device 5 sometractional stress which is proportional to the pressure in chamber 10.Where the fluid tightness under the device 5 happens to disappear, thecorresponding pressure drop in the relay 33 provides a new communicationbetween the chambers 36 and 12 whereby the suction device is re-appliedupon the adhering surface S due to the action of the spring 38.Permissible minimum of vacuum or underpressure in the relay 33 due tothe suction exerted from the chamber 9 is adjusted by a nozzle which isincorporated with the conduit 32 in combination with the resistance ofthe conduit 31. Where an overpressure prevails inside the chamber 9, thechamber 36 remains in communication with the chamber 12 and the suctiondevice preserves its initial position, i.e. at a maximum distance fromthe frame.

In the constructional embodiment shown in the drawings, the movableframe 3 is connected likewise with the stationary framework 1 viacylinders 44 and pistons 45 arranged between two hinged shackles 46, 47.The chamber 48 defined by the cylinder is then put into communicationwith the ambient pressure chamber 12 via a conduit 49 while thedifferential pressure chamber 50 is advantageously connected with thechamber 36 of a corresponding suspension member provided between adevice 5 and the movable frame via a conduit 51, thereby providing aconstant ratio so far as the distribution of tensions between thesuction devices, the frame and the sealing bead are concerned.

Position of the connections between the framework 1 and the frame 3 ischosen in accordance with the distribution of strains undergone by theframework 1 during the operation of the anchoring apparatus.

The energy for operating the several mechanisms of the apparatus andmore particularly the source of differential pressure may be of anysiutable nature. For immersed installations the energy is advantageouslyelectric and may be, as soon as the depth of operation reaches a certainvalue, of the pressure accumulation type. The apparatus may bemechanically manipulated by an aircraft, a surface ship or a submarinevessel, for example through the medium of a hinged arm. Alternativelyapparatus may be remotely controlled by flexible connections which maybe also adapted to feed electric, hydraulic or other energy. Furthermorethe apparatus may be built particularly for subaqueous work, so as toenjoy operative autonomy after being set into position or a fulloperative autonomy in which case the positioning as well as the releaseand the topping up to the water surface being then performedautomatically. The means that are used may be easily determined by thosewho are skilled in the art and form, as such, no part of the invention.

For subaqueous work, the entire available space inside the apparatus maybe advantageously filled with a low density material for reducing theapparent weight of the apparatus when importance is attached to increaseits manoeuverability or alternatively weighted by a suitable ballastwhere weight can facilitate positioning. Should damage or pollution ofthe contacting surface be feared during preliminary manipulation or dueto transportation, the fulcrum surface of the cover member and suctiondevices 5 may be advantageously covered with a fluid-tight skin, forexample, by retraction into a specially intended space in the appaartus,said space being fitted with a suitable mechanism. Also where required,the positioning may be preceded by an improvement of the contactingsurface S or a portion of this surface, for example, by injecting acement or a similar material capable of. creating a level surface, saidinjectiton being carried out from an independent device.

The operation of the anchoring apparatus as above described occurs asfollows: In the device shown in FIG.

1, the suction devices 5 are initially extended to the maximum extent bythe springs 38, the stroke of which is so adjusted that the devicesprotrude from the plane of the bead 4 and the shoes of the stationaryframework 1 which is itself pushed back in a similar manner of themovable frame 3 by springs 52.

If the adhesion surface requires a preliminary sweeping action, thechamber 9 may be then subjected to an overpressure or compressed fluidpressure so as to cause an ejection or alternatively the adhesionsurface may be treated, for example by an injection process as indicatedin the foregoing. The chamber 9 is afterwards subjected to a vacuum orunderpressure when the apparatus is applied against the ancoring surfaceS.

The output of the source of underpressure is so adjusted as to permitthe required vacuum or underpressure to be maintained in the chamber 9to match the leakage into suction devices 5 due to lack of fluidtightness upon the fulcrum surface S.

As soon as a device 5 is in adhering contact with the surface, thepressure is reduced in the cavity 18 and consequently in the relay 33.This pressure reduction is operative upon the spool valve 42 toestablish a communication between the chamber 36 and the vacuum orunderpressure chamber 10. The piston 35 then goes up toward the frame 3as indicated in the foregoing while exerting upon the device 5 a tensioncorresponding to the vacuum or underpressure which prevails in thechamber 9. Simultaneously through the conduit 51, the vacuum orunderpressure prevailing in the chamber 45 transmits to the framework 1the portion of the tractional stress set by the ratio of the sectionalareas of the pistons 35 and 45 and transmits to the bead 4 thedifference between the two tractional stresses.

By exerting a traction upon the frame 3, the devices 5 stimulates theanchoring of another device 5 and so on. Simultaneously the compressionexerted by the bead 4 increases the fluid tightness in the areaprotected by the cover member 7 which is activated by the extrusion ofthe contact fluid contained in the network 23, thereby facilitatingcreation of a vacuum or underpressure under said cover member throughthe conduits 25 connected with the chamber 9.

The power of the source of vacuum or underpressure is so calculated asto maintain under the cover member 7 a suflicient underpressure to copewith the requirements even if some lack of fluid tightness or a smallpermeability of the support permits a limited liquid stream to flowtoward the vacuum or underpressure zones. If the fluid tightnessdisappears locally, the corresponding device or devices 5 are releasedand the anchoring cycle is resumed as previously indicated.

Where the contact surfaces present symmetrically an assembly of fluidtight zones and highly pervious zones the suction devices may beadvantageously provided with a contrivance ensuring their individualrelease following a pre-set number of unsuccessful adhesion attempts.

In order to release the apparatus, it is only required to eliminate thevacuum or underpressure prevailing in the chamber 9. If deemednecessary, an overpressure can be also generated in said chamber forpositively releasing the cover member 7 and the devices 5.

In the showing of FIG. 2 is also represented a stationary framework 1 towhich are associated three anchoring units of the aforesaid type.

In FIG. 3 is represented an annular arrangement in which the adhesionarea is defined between two concentric fluid tight beads 4, 54 definingan axial operating well. This arrangement is favourable to such work as,for example, the securement to a wall or other structure of one orseveral grouting bolts adapted to convert a temporary adhesion into afinal adhesion. Such an operation may, regardless of the arrangement asused, be supplemented by an adhesion or cementing operation in a fashionsimilar to the means as used in the mining industry, thereby Zone or inthe atmosphere.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the frame 1 may be fitted with aself-propelling system of the translational or rotary motion type. Aseries of compensating frames may be mounted upon an endless trackcapable of conveying the assembly from one site to another withoutcausing any loss of adhesion and while providing a preliminaryprospecting for the following track member.

Minor constructional details may be varied without departing from thescope of the invention.

It is to be understood that in the above description and followingclaims that the terms vacuum and underpressure are used to only denote apressure less than the ambient pressure of the anchor apparatus, and arenot to be limited to a pressure less than atmosphere. In fact, when theapparatus is employed underwater, the presence of atmospheric pressurewithin chamber 9 and devices will often suffice for anchoring purposes.Accordingly, as used herein, vacuum and underpressure are intended toinclude all pressures less than the pressure surrounding the anchorapparatus.

What is claimed is:

1. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising at least one suction device, a source of underpressure, meansinterconnecting said suction device and source of underpressure duringservice, an impervious cover member associated with said suction deviceso as to define an area of application upon said anchoring surface aboutsaid suction device, a frame, an elastic suspension member having aconstant tension interconnecting said suction device and frame, andclamping means disposed between said frame and cover member and appliedagainst said cover member responsive to the tractional effect exertedbetween said suction device and its elastic suspension member.

2. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising a plurality of suction devices, a source of underpressure,means interconnecting said devices and said source of underpressure inservice, a common impervious cover member having a periphery andassociated with said devices so as to define an area of application uponsaid anchoring surface about said devices, a frame, elastic suspensionmembers having a constant tension connecting said devices and saidframe, and clamping means disposed between said frame and said peripheryof said common cover member and applied against said cover memberresponsive to the tractional stress exerted between said devices andsaid elastic suspension members having a constant tension.

3. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising at least one suction device having a central chamber and aflexible peripheral lip having an adhesion surface defined thereon, asource of underpressure, a conduit connecting said central chamber withsaid source of underpressure in service, an impervious cover memberhaving a periphery and associated with said device for defining an areaof application upon said anchoring surface about said device, a frame,an elastic suspension member having a constant tension interconnectingsaid device and said frame, and clamping means arranged between saidframe and said periphery of said cover member and applied against saidcover member responsive to the tractional stress exerted between saiddevice and said elastic suspension memebr having a constant tension.

4. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 3, including elementshaving a rough anti-skidding surface defined on the adhesion surface ofsaid device.

5. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 3, in which said covermember has a surface directed toward said anchoring surface, primaryducts defined in said cover member surface, and secondary ductsconnecting said primary duets with said source of underpressure.

6. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said covermember has a surface directed toward said anchoring surface, cellsformed in said surface of the cover member, and ducts connecting saidcells with said source of underpressure.

7. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising at least one suction device, a source of underpressure, aduct connecting said device with said source of underpressure inservice, an impervious cover member having a periphery and associatedwith said device so as to define an area of application upon saidanchoring surface about said device, a frame, an elastic suspensionmember having a constant tension interconnecting the device and frame,an adjustable hinge interposed between said device and said elasticsuspension member, and clamping means disposed between said frame andsaid cover member periphery and applied against said cover memberresponsive to the tractional stress exerted between said device and saidelastic suspension member having a constant tension.

8. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon anchoring surface andcomprising a plurality of suction devices, a source of underpressure,ducts connecting said devices with said source of underpressure inservice, an impervious cover member having a periphery and associatedwith said devices for defining an area of application upon saidanchoring surface about said devices, a frame, elastic suspensionmembers having a constant tension interconnecting said devices andframe, a ball and socket type hinge interposed between each of saiddevices and its associated suspension member, clamping means disposedbetween said frame and the periphery of said cover member and appliedagainst the cover member responsive to the tractional stress exertedbetween said devices and said elastic suspension members.

9. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 8, com prising secondelastic members disposed between said devices and said frame for biasingsaid devices away from said frame.

10. An anchoring apparatus for operation upon an anchoring surface andadapted to function in a ambient pressure medium ad comprising at leastone suction device, a source of underpressure, means interconnectingsaid device and said source of underpressure during operation, animpenvious cover member associated with said device for defining an areaof application upon said anchoring surface about said device, a frame, aframework stationary relative to the anchoring surface, a first elasticsuspension member disposed between said frame and framework, andclamping means disposed between said frame and said cover member appliedagainst said cover member responsive to the tractional stress exertedintermediate said device and said :elastic suspension members.

11. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said elasticsuspension members comprise cylinders, balancing pistons movable :insaid cylinders each having opposed faces, means providing communicationbetween one face of said pistons and the ambient pressure, and secondmeans providing communication between the other face of said pistons andsaid source of underpressures.

12. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said elasticsuspension members comprise cylinders, balancing pistons movable in saidcylinders each having opposed faces, a closed fluid circuit, supplysources of different pressures included in said closed circuit, andmeans interconnecting the faces of said pistons with said sources ofdifferent pressures.

13. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 10, comprising feetdefined on said stationary framework and antifriction shoe elementsdefined on said feet and abutted against said anchoring surface.

14. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising at least one suction device, a source of underpressure, meansconnecting said device with said source of underpressure during theoperation of the apparatus, an impervious cover member associated withsaid device for defining an area of application upon said anchoringsurface about said device and having a periphery, a flexible beadengaging said cover member adjacent the periphery of said cover member,a frame, and a suspension member having a constant tensioninterconnecting said frame and said device, and means mounted on saidframe engaging said bead and applying said bead against the periphery ofsaid cover member in accord with the tractional stress exerted betweensaid device and said suspension member.

15. An anchoring apparatus to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising at least one suction device, a source of underpressure, meansinterconnecting said device and said source of underpressure duringoperation of the apparatus, a source of pressurized medium, means forproviding selective connection between said suction device and saidsource of pressurized medium for liberating said device from theanchoring surface, an impervious cover member associated with saidsuction device for defining an area of application upon said anchoringsurface about said device, a frame, an elastic suspension memberinterconnecting said device and said frame, and clamping meansinterposed between said frame and said cover member and applied againstsaid cover member responsive to the tractional stress exertedintermediate said dewice and said elastic suspension member.

16. An anchoring apparatus according to claim 15, comprising means forintroducing a fluid capable of aiding 12 adhesion between said suctiondevice and the cover member.

17. An anchoring unit to be operative upon an anchoring surface andcomprising sets of suction devices, a source of underpressure, meansselectively interconnecting said sets of devices and said source ofunderpressure during operation of the apparatus, an impervious covermember associated with each set of suction devices for defining at eachlocation an area of application upon said anchoring surface about saiddevices, a first frame associated with each set of suction devices, aframework, first elastic suspension members having a constant tensioninterposed between each frame and the associated set of suction devices,second elastic suspension members having a constant tension interposedbetween said frame and said framework, and clamping means interposedbetween each frame and the associated cover member and applied againstthe associated cover member responsive to the tractional stress exertedbetween the associated suction devices and the said elastic suspenionmembers.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,051,117 8/1962 Hunter 1142063,348,517 10/1967 Johnson et al. 114-206 3,431,879 3/1969 Westling114--206 TRYGVE M. BLIX, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

